Today in Keys History – September 8, 2024
1883 – Key West Mayor William McClintock resigned his position to take a job at the Custom House. He had been elected less than a year earlier, in October of 1882.
1891 – Thomas Romer in Key West died at age 108. Romer was born in Nassau in 1788 and later served as a privateersman for the United States in the War of 1812. He had been a citizen of Key West for 65 years.
1911 – Parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church accepted plans submitted by architect George L. Pfeiffer for a new church building. It was said the structure’s style would be “of the Gothic school, and the building will be a beautiful and imposing edifice.” Construction costs were estimated at $25,000.
1923 – A group of Cuban Boy Scouts arrived in Key West via steamship to begin two weeks of camping on government lands near Fort Taylor. The local Exchange Club and Rotary Club assisted with hospitality during their stay.
1956 – The pre-Civil War-era Caroline Lowe House at the corner of Duval and Caroline streets was gutted by fire and had to be torn down. For 15 years the house had been the Trade Winds Restaurant. The fire was set by an arsonist who destroyed several Key West landmarks before he was caught.
1965 – Hurricane Betsy, a category 3 storm, passed over the Upper and Middle Keys. Sustained winds of 100 mph or more were recorded between Big Pine Key and Homestead. Rainfall of 10.52 inches was recorded at Big Pine Key and 11.80 inches on Plantation Key.
2009 – Key West High School’s television production program won five awards at the 35th annual International Student Media Festival in Louisville. “Be Unique,” a film by KWHS students Ian Francis and Tyler Lee, was selected “Best of Festival.”
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: St. Paul’s Episcopal church under construction at 401 Duval Street, ca. 1912. Wright Langley Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.